Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a fatal road accident on the Third Mainland Bridge, where a police officer riding a Bajaj motorcycle was killed after being rammed by a Lexus car on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The incident occurred on the Adekunle inward Iyana‑Oworo axis of the bridge, one of Lagos’s busiest and longest infrastructure arteries. According to a press release issued by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, the driver of the Lexus with registration number EPE 765 JN lost control or drove recklessly, crashing into the police officer’s motorcycle. The officer died instantly at the scene.
The driver of the Lexus did not flee; instead, he immediately reported himself at the Adekunle Police Division, a move that authorities have noted as a responsible act in the aftermath of the tragedy. Upon receiving distress alerts, LASTMA officials and officers of the Nigeria Police Force rushed to the location to begin traffic control, emergency safety measures, and preliminary incident documentation. To prevent secondary collisions and protect other motorists, traffic cones and cautionary devices were placed around the affected corridor, while police operatives commenced proper investigation procedures.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare‑Oki, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to motorists. He emphasized the urgent need for drivers to exercise maximum caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and avoid any form of reckless driving that could endanger lives. “Road users must cultivate responsible driving habits, remain conscious of the fragility of human life, and comply faithfully with extant traffic laws to stem the alarming tide of avoidable road fatalities across Lagos State,” Bakare‑Oki said.
The Third Mainland Bridge, which spans approximately 11.8 kilometres, is a critical transport link connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. It is notorious for high‑speed driving, particularly at off‑peak hours, and has witnessed numerous fatal accidents over the years. Despite the presence of traffic management agencies like LASTMA and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), reckless driving remains a persistent challenge. This latest tragedy is a grim reminder of the consequences of speeding and inattention.
LASTMA confirmed that coordinated evacuation and recovery operations were immediately activated to remove the damaged vehicles and restore normal traffic flow along the bridge corridor. Despite the gravity of the incident, traffic around the axis remained effectively managed due to the proactive intervention and operational efficiency of LASTMA officers deployed to the scene. The agency has urged all road users to prioritize safety and to remember that every life lost on the road is a preventable tragedy.
The identity of the deceased police officer has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, and the driver of the Lexus is cooperating with authorities. As Lagos continues to grow and its roads become more congested, calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better driver education have grown louder. This incident adds to the mounting evidence that reckless driving is not just a violation of rules but a direct threat to human life.
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